Hertfordshire Men Jailed for a Total of 34 Years for Drug Smuggling

Three men have been jailed for a total of 34 years at Canterbury Crown Court after being found guilty of smuggling 3.98kgs of powder containing cocaine into the UK through the UK controlled zone in Coquelles, France. The seized drugs had an estimated street value of £542,000.00 and were found to contain 2.95kgs of 100% pure cocaine.

Stephen Clement, Senior Investigation Officer, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Criminal Investigation said:

“HM Revenue & Customs is at the forefront of the fight to stop drugs entering the UK. Our commitment is to do everything we can to stop this deadly trade. The sentence handed down by the court today will act as a deterrent to those involved in drug trafficking and clearly shows that crime doesn’t pay. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call HMRC’s 24 hour hotline 0800 59 5000.” He added “I am pleased that the hard work and dedication of my officers has been recognized by the Courts”.

The court heard that Thomas French was stopped by HM Revenue & Customs officers on the 27 November 2006 at the UK tourist control zone in Coquelles, France. On being questioned by the officers, he stated that he had been to Calais to buy beer and wine for Christmas. On searching the vehicle, officers found a number of mixed cases of beer and soft drinks and hidden within two of the cases of beer they found three taped packages. The contents of the packages were initially field tested and later forensically analysed showing them to contain cocaine.

Further investigation and evidence showed Thomas Yates and Ricky Smith to be implicated in the importation. They had traveled independently to Calais via the ferry from Dover, meeting French there and returning to the UK via the Channel Tunnel at the same time.

Yates has since absconded and a European Arrest Warrant has been issued for his arrest. He was sentenced in his absence.

On sentencing the men Her Honour Judge Adele Williams said: “Cocaine is a dangerous and pernicious drug causing harm to young people and whilst taking account of previous good characters, the sentences imposed match the crime”

She commended the officers at the Docks for their acuteness in the interception and the Investigation Officer for pulling together this very complex case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by the Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO). RCPO is an independent prosecuting authority which reports to the Attorney General, and is responsible for the prosecution of all HMRC cases.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs

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